The Yermarva Resort & Casino in San Manuel held the event in a spirit of celebration for its 40th anniversary this week.
The Southern California resort marked the milestone by treating guests to special performances by Snoop Dogg and Imagine Dragons, as well as fine dining, handcrafted cocktails, luxurious spa treatments and other on-site VIP experiences.
The celebration began with a welcome cocktail reception at the resort’s Y Lounge, where world-renowned mixologist Giancarlo Mancino provided a bespoke cocktail experience featuring the resort’s new Collection 86 menu, including a Negroni drink adorned with a custom copper stamp commemorating Yaamaba’s 40th anniversary.
The evening reflected the vision of resort manager Kenji Hall, who has guided the property for 40 years.
“We want to create core memories,” Hall told Page Six. “We want to do something different than anywhere else you go. Every casino, every resort has slot machines. There’s entertainment there. There’s food. There’s a lot of what we do through love. Food tastes better when it’s made with love and care. I truly believe that.”
Guests then headed to The Pines Modern Steakhouse for a unique $5,000 culinary experience featuring Michelin-starred chef Paul Liebrandt. Each course was accompanied by a 1986 vintage wine selected by Master Sommelier Joan Pires, honoring the resort’s opening year.
The menu included Bluefin Garden cherry and green tomato jelly, black cod with almond milk, summer corn, black truffle and shrimp accompaniment, Matsusaka beef with black eggplant and crystal caviar, and crown melon and bonbon gold bar dessert. Each course combined a different 1986 vintage from Spain, Napa Valley, and France.
After dinner, guests headed to the Yarmaba Theater where Imagine Dragons opened their set with the band’s hit song “Enemy,” followed by a performance celebrating the facility’s milestone anniversary.
The luxurious experience continued after the concert with a tour inside the resort’s hidden bootlegger-style cigar lounge. The entrance door automatically closed behind guests as they entered, adding to the atmosphere of secrecy.
Visitors also explored the lounge’s extensive cigar collection, including selections that sell for as much as $5,000, along with a display of high-end designer ashtrays.
The next day, the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Serrano Spa offered guests the opportunity to relax with a 60-minute treatment, including a signature Gallieni Extended Massage, which combines synchronized sound and touch technology to create an immersive wellness experience.
Guests then gathered for dinner at Hong Bao Kitchen before returning to the Yaamaba Theater where Snoop Dogg capped off the resort’s two-year anniversary celebration with an unforgettable performance.
The 54-year-old rap icon treated fans to a set packed with hits including “Gin and Juice,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “What’s My Name?”
Snoop surprised the crowd by bringing out fellow West Coast legend Kurupt, who performed his 1998 hit “We Can Freak It.” The music video famously featured a cameo appearance by Snoop Dogg.
The Emmy winner also welcomed her eldest son Korde “Spank” Broadus, 31, on stage to perform “Sunday” with independent recording artist and vocalist A. Lin, best known for his Long Beach-based group Solar System.
Five-time Emmy Award-winning artist Jane Hancock also wowed the audience with her powerful rendition of “Father Forgive Them.”
Located in Highland, California, just 70 minutes east of Los Angeles, Yaamava is a AAA Five Diamond premier luxury gaming and entertainment destination.
From headline concerts and movie-inspired moments to fine dining and collector-worthy experiences, the resort’s 40th anniversary celebration showcased everything that has made it a must-see Southern California destination for 40 years, and proved there’s much more to come.
